P3.253 Sero Prevalence of HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and Syphilis Among Blood Donors in Kathmandu, Nepal

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> Mandatory screening tests are performed for human HIV1/2, Hepatitis B and C and Syphilis by blood transfusion centres in Nepal because blood transfusion is the most efficient mode of transmission of these diseases. The study is aimed to determine the sero-prevalence of these four Transfusion transmissible infections. <h3>Methodology</h3> A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted at Tribhuvan University teaching Hospital, Maharajgunj during the period from July 1st 2007 to June 30th 2011. Total of 11160 samples from Volunteer and replacement donors were screened for Anti-HIV, Anti-HCV and HBsAg by ELISA methods. The Reactive cases were confirmed by confirmatory method as per the national algorithm. <h3>Results</h3> The prevalence of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis were determined to be 0.17%, 0.44%, 0.71% and 0.35% respectively. HBV and HCV sero-prevalence was found to be higher among male blood donors but, Syphilis and HIV prevalence was higher in female donors in comparison to male donors. TTIs prevalence was highest among blood donors in the age group 21 to 30 years (P = &lt; 0.05). HIV was reported to be to more prevalent among replacement donors (0.33%) than volunteer donors (0.12%). Other TTIs were insignificantly more prevalent among volunteer donor than replacement donors. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Screening of donated blood should be done with highly sensitive and specific tests so as not to transfuse infected blood. It is also important to strengthen donor counselling before donation.